Updated March 2025, including Apple Watch Series 10 and Ultra 2.

The Apple Watch is a powerful whole health monitor. The newest Apple Watch models contain sensors for most of the major vital signs: pulse, an FDA-cleared ECG sensor, oxygen saturation, breathing rate, temperature, and now sleep apnea detection.

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If you’re looking to buy an Apple Watch for health monitoring, you have four major options as of early 2025: a new Series 10, a new Apple Watch SE, a new Apple Watch Ultra 9, or a used Series 8 or prior.

Here’s a quick rundown of how the health sensors vary across Apple Watch models:

Health Feature	Series 6-8	Series 9/10	Ultra 2	SE (2nd gen)
Heart Rate	✓	✓	✓	✓
ECG	✓	✓	✓	-
Blood Oxygen	✓	✓	✓	-
Temperature*	Series 8 only	✓	✓	-
Sleep Tracking	✓	✓	✓	✓
Sleep Apnea Detection**	-	✓	✓	-
Fall Detection	✓	✓	✓	✓
High/Low Heart Rate	✓	✓	✓	✓
Irregular Rhythm	✓	✓	✓	✓
Cardio Fitness (VO2 Max)	✓	✓	✓	✓
Starting Price (New)	Discontinued	$399	$799	$249

*Temperature sensing was introduced with Series 8 **Sleep apnea detection requires watchOS 10.3 or later

Apple Watch Series 10: comprehensive health monitoring, including ECG, heart rate, and sleep apnea

The newest Apple Watch is the Series 9, launched September 2023. It starts at $399 if bought new. This includes all of the health sensors above.

Apple Watch Ultra 2 - similar health sensors, more rugged

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 starts at $799, was also launched September 2023, and includes all health features of the Series 9, plus GPS. This is a premium option targeted at serious hikers or athletes.

Apple Watch SE - affordable, but fewer health sensors

Although the Apple Watch SE is more affordable at $249, it’s lighter on health sensors. It includes a heart rate sensor and sleep tracking, but not an FDA-cleared ECG or blood oxygen. If you’re looking for something in this price range, also consider a used Apple Watch Series 6, 7, or 8, which have additional health sensors.

Used Apple Watch Series 6, 7, or 8

If you want nearly all of the health sensors at an affordable price point, a used Apple Watch Series 8 or prior is a good option. It includes most health sensors—including the ECG, oxygen, and temperature sensors—but not the sleep apnea detection.

Buying these models used is a good option is you want more health sensors, but at an affordable price. As of this writing, used Apple Watches are selling for below $300, whereas a used Series 6 costs around $180.

The best Apple Watch for health monitoring

What’s my overall recommendation? I’d get an Apple Watch Series 10 or Ultra 2 if you can afford it. If you’re on a budget, a used Series 8 or prior is a good option which has most of the health sensors for an affordable price.